How to keep cats cool in hot weather

The short answer

Keep your cat cool in hot weather by providing shade and plenty of fresh water, closing curtains during the hottest hours, grooming out excess fur, and offering them cool surfaces to lie on. Keep cats indoors between 11am-3pm on very hot days, and never let them get shut in greenhouses, sheds, or conservatories.

Why heat is a problem for cats

Cats are famously good at finding the warmest spot in the house, but that doesn't mean they cope well with hot weather. Unlike us, cats can't sweat to cool down (except a little through their paw pads), so when a UK heatwave hits, they rely on you to keep their environment comfortable.

Here's a quick guide on how to keep your cat cool this summer, and how to spot when heat is becoming a problem.

Can cats overheat?

If you didn’t know, cats originally descended from desert animals! That’s why they generally tolerate warmth better than dogs. They release heat by seeking cooler surfaces and grooming themselves (as gross as it sounds, the saliva evaporates a bit like sweat).

Panting is a last resort, so it’s worth knowing a panting cat is not a happy cat - it's usually a sign they're too hot or stressed.

Some cats struggle more than others in hot weather. Flat-faced cat breeds like Persians and Exotic Shorthairs, overweight cats, kittens, senior cats, and cats with heart or breathing problems all need extra care.

10 ways to keep your cat cool in hot weather

1. Refresh their water, add more bowls

Put out several water bowls around the home and garden, refill them with cool water throughout the day and drop in an ice cube or two. Some cats drink more from moving water, so a pet fountain can help in summer.

2. Create shady spots

Make sure there's always somewhere shaded your cat can retreat to, both indoors and out. Cardboard boxes in cool rooms, space under the bed, or a shaded corner of the garden all work well. Cats will usually find the coolest spot themselves if they have access to it.

3. Close curtains and blinds

Keeping curtains or blinds closed in sun-facing rooms during the hottest part of the day makes a surprising difference to indoor temperature. Open windows only if they're secure; a screened or tilt-locked window helps to stop escapes and falls.

4. Keep them in during peak heat

On very hot days, keep your cat indoors between 11am-3pm when the sun is strongest. Let them out in the cooler morning and evening instead.

5. Check sheds, greenhouses and conservatories

Cats love sneaking into warm, enclosed spaces which heat up dangerously fast in summer. Double check before you close any doors, and keep conservatories off-limits on hot days.

6. Groom your cat more often

Long-haired cats benefit most here. Daily brushing removes loose undercoat and helps air circulate through your cat’s fur. Never shave a cat's coat right down, as the fur also insulates against heat and protects their skin from the sun. If a long-haired cat is really struggling, ask a professional groomer for a sensible trim.

7. Offer cool surfaces

Tiled floors, empty ceramic sinks and shaded patios are natural favourites. You can also try putting down a cooling mat, or wrapping a frozen water bottle in a towel and leaving it near their favourite resting spot for them to lie against if they choose.

8. Feed them frozen treats

Freeze a little of the water from a tin of tuna (in spring water, not brine or oil) into an ice cube, or make small, lickable cubes from their usual wet food. Keep treats occasional and small.

9. Dampen their fur

Some cats will tolerate being gently stroked with a cool, damp cloth, which mimics how grooming cools them. Focus on the head, ears, and paws. Never soak or dunk a cat in water - it can be frightening for them, and the stress does more harm than good.

10. Play at cooler times

Skip energetic play sessions during the day and save wand-toy time for early mornings or evenings when it's cooler outside.

Don't forget pet-safe SPF

Just like us, cats can get sunburn! Repeated sunburn raises the risk of skin cancer. White or pale-coloured cats and those with pale ears and noses are more at risk, so keep them indoors during peak sun. Ask your vet about a pet-safe sun cream for ears and noses, as human suncream can contain ingredients that are toxic to cats.

Signs your cat is too hot

Heatstroke in cats is the emergency stage of overheating. It’s much less common than heatstroke in dogs, but you should still watch out for the signs. Excessive panting that doesn't settle once your cat is somewhere cool, drooling, lethargy, or collapse are all signs of heatstroke. If you spot these signs, call your vet.

Worried about the cost of vet bills? Napo pet insurance provides lifetime cover for dogs and cats, so heatstroke and other health conditions are covered for as long as you're with us. One less thing on your mind this summer.

Keeping cats safe all summer long

A cool, shaded home, fresh water and a little extra planning on hot days will see most cats through a UK summer comfortably. For more warm weather advice, check out our summer pet safety tips blog.